Binary cycle power plant



Feb. 20, 1940. y N. c. PRICE BINARY CYCLE- POWER PLANT 2 sheets-sheet 1A Filed May 21. 19:57l

f -Hind N\ f f llAul e; w il Feb. zo, 1940. yN, c, mi n """zsnzss BINAR'Y CYCLE fOWlR PLANT Filed lay 21, 19,57 2 Shoots-Sheet 2 @alla I j 22 231 ""N FICE-Il... E... FLE

mvENroR sECnoN on n Patented Feb. 20,

PATENT OFFICE BINARY CYCLE POWER PLANVl` Nathan C. Price, Seattle, Wash., assignor to Sirius Corporation, a corporation of California Application May 21, 1937, Serial No. 144.0106

9 Claims.

My invention comprises a new system for the production of power,.which uses two different, but associated; working fluids temporarily Vbrought into heat exchanging relationship during their respective thermodynamic cycles. The principles of my invention may be applied to a variety of binary cycle power plant forms and especially to powerplants for aircraft. While particular reference is made in this specification to the combination of an internal combustion engine supplying waste heat for formation of steam acting as a secondary working fluid, other combinations of fluids mightv be employed, as, for instance, mercury vapor primary working fluid delivering waste heat to a secondary working fluid as steam.

That the eiiiciency of heat engines may be extended by enlarging the range of heat availability of the working iiuid is basic knowledge. However from practical standponts this is limited by the particular pressure-temperature relationships of the working iiuid, since each single working fluid has a pressure and temperature range ceyond which it cannot readily be turned to use. This is principally because of the physical limitations of heat exchanging structures which must be employed at the higher level, and because of the physical limitations of the working fluid and the temperature limitations of the coolant at the lower level.

For aircraft power plants a practical solution is found in the combination of the internal combustion engine with a secondary working iluid, such as steam formed from waste products of a combustion. In this case the initial working temperature of the primary working fluid may be considerably over 4000 F. in the engine cylinder, yet the terminal temperature of the secondary working fluid of the process may be considerably under 200" F. Overall plant thermal efciency in excess of 40% may thereforev be attained without resorting to complicated means.

My invention supplies these thermodynamic advantages under a new type of vapor generation control, and provides a new system of delivering the power produced to a consumer.

Consequently it is the objective of my invention to satisfy the specifications enumerated herewith.

Maximum utilization of the heat of the fuel for power production must be attained to extend the cruising range of the aircraft. For the same reason power for driving aircraft accessories and heat for the aircraft cabin must be derived from final utilization of waste heat of the secondary working fluid. Appropriate automatic regulation of the relative rates of generation and power delivery by the primary and secondary working fluids must be provided. 4

It is essential that there should be automatic l regulation and provision for independent vapor generation and power production from the system of one of the working fluids during emergency failure or shut down of the system of the other and associated working fluid.

In fulfillment of other objectives provision of alternative drives for certain accessories is made from both working fluids so that if one working fluid system becomes inoperative the accessories may continue to be driven by the other.

During' normal cruising of the aircraft the accessories are operated by the drives derived from the secondary working fluid, but this load is automatically picked up by the drives from the primary working iluid system if the secondary :il working system fails.

Independent automatic generation of the secondary working fluid by 'direct fuel tiring may be put into action when the primary working fluid system is idle.

Controllable 'high speed turbine drives are easily furnished because the internal combustion engine produces generated secondary working fluid. These drives are ideal for superchargers, alternators, and accessory equipment or the like, so since they are free from torsional impulses and shock.

Indeed the turbine is a very dependable and compact form of engine and due to the available high speed of operation serves to reduce the size ofthe driven accessory equipment without heavy and relatively ineillcient gearsets.

My invention supplies aircraft having main power for propulsion by a first working' fluid with compressed combustion air for the generation of n the first working uid. The power for this compression is derived from the secondary working fluid and the secondary Working fluid is generated by the waste heat from the primary working iiuid. This is of particular significance from the standpoint of high altitude operation. At the higher altitudes the air supercharging compressor speeds must increase to maintain normal power production and normal rate of generation of the irst working iiuid compared to 50 that of the lower altitudes. This situation arises from the decrease in density of air with increase in altitude. The supercharging power requirements likewise increase with altitude. It is a characteristic of the waste heat utilization from u the primary working fluid that the heat abstraction by theV secondary working fluid increases with altitude.

This may be employed by conversion of heat to power to produce constant absolute initial working pressure of the primary fluid and to slightly increase useful expansion ratio of the primary working fluid. Happily the supercharging power requirements of the air blower and the power available from the secondary working fluid tend to approximate each other at any altitude practical for aircraft operation.

Standby cabin heating or ground air conditioning by waste heat from the secondary fluid is available. There is provision for heating of the lubricant of the internal combustion engine prior to and during its starting period. This minimizes the warm-up time required before it is advisable to apply full power of the internal combustion engine for take-off of the aircraft. The secondary fluid power plant may be operated independently for actuating accessories of the aircraft during station at the airport`v Power may be extracted from the secondary working fluid by a turbine for supplying torque at a low speed for starting the internal combustion engine. After the starting, the turbine will continue to contribute power to the internal combustion engine when the engine is operating at normal power output. This turbine power is yielded by excess production of secondary working fluid over and above the requirements for driving of the aircraft accessories and in particular for the engine supercharger.

The mechanism for relative speed change between the turbine and the internal combustion engine isautomatic. High rotative speed of the turbine is permitted during both the starting and the normal speed operation of the engine so that high turbine efficiency is maintained at all times. Figure 1 diagrammatically reveals an aircraft power plant combination of an internal combustion engine for driving a screw propeller, apparatus for generating a secondary working fluid by waste heat and mechanism for operating an accessory drive system as described.

Figure 2 dlagrammatlcally illustrates in section along the propeller shaft axis a suitable and customary automatically variable pitch and constant speed propeller for use in the powerplant of Figure l.

Figure 3 dlagrammatically represents in section normal to the propeller blade axis the construction of the propeller hub to permit control of pitch.

Figure 4 diagrammatlcally portrays in section along the drive shaft axis an automatic centrifugal clutch for use between the internal combustionengine and a turbine operated by secondary working fluid as in Figure l.

Figure 5 dlagrammatically reveals in section normal to the propeller shaft axis the construction of the centrifugal clutch of Figure 4.

Figure 6 diagrammatically illustrates in section a centrifugal governor turbine speed control for a nozzle box of a turbine for driving aircraft accessories at a constant rotational speed as in Figure 1.

Figure 7 diagrammatically represents in section a nozzle box pressure control for a turbine for starting or contributing power to the internal combustion engine as in Figure l.

The details of Figure 1 diagrammatically illustratlng the power plant are as follows: A propeller I preferably of the automatically variable pitch type following customary structure as shown in Figures 2 and 3, for instance, is driven by an internal combustion engine 200. A crankcase 2 supports an internal combustion cylinder 3 surrounded for cooling by a jacket 4. Within the cylinder and crankcase are a piston |61, a connecting rod |66, and a crankshaft 20|. Fuel for operation of the engine yis supplied from a' pump |51 producing pressure in aline |55. The pump is supplied fuel from a tank |58. Admission occurs from the line |55 to a line I 52 and thence to a cylinder fuel injection nozzle |51.

Flow control is accomplished through a valve |53 which may be manually adjusted in opening by a lever |56 and by a handle |54, but the injection timing is afforded by a valve |12.

The air induction system for the cylinder 3 comprises a propeller slip stream diffuser, such as an air ram 5 shown in section, for supplying a centrifugal air blower 6. A discharge duct 1 delivers first stage compressed air to an inlet |08 of a second stage centrifugal blower 8. Air is then discharged from this second stage along an induction line 9 and past an inlet valve |1I into the cylinder 3. The degree of supercharging of the cylinder 3 depends partly upon the air ramming effect due to the motion of the airplane, but primarily upon the rotative speed of the blower 6 and the blower 8.

An intake valve I1I times the admission of air into they cylinder 3, while an exhaust valve |13 synchronizes the release of gases of combustion. The proper cyclical motion of the valves I1I, |12, |13 is obtained from some cams |10 of a camshaft |69. The camshaft and the pump |51 are driven from a propeller shaft |60 through the medium of some bevel gears I6I and |60.

The exhaust gases from the cylinder 3 arev forced from the exhaust valve |13 along a stack I3, which branches into a stack I5, and into a boiler casing 92, shown in section, of a waste heat boiler 400. During operation of the internal combustion engine the gases of combustion may pass either through the casing 92 into a stack I1 to be finally discharged into the atmosphere, or may be allowed to shunt the casing 92. The rate of bypassing through the stack I5 is responsive to the opening of a flow throttllng control valve I6.

In the boiler casing 92 are located the heat transfer surfaces for generating the vapor of the secondary working uid from the waste heat of the primary working uid exhausted from the cylinder 3.

A condenser II supplies the liquifled secondary working fluid intended for the boiler along a feed duct 40 to an inlet |09 of a centrifugal pump 4 I. The pump discharges through a check valve 43 and a conduit 42 to the jacket 4. The secondary working fluid liquid is used as a coolant for the cylinder 3 and is elevated almost to saturation temperature. A coolant passage |15 is preferably tubular and helical in course as indicated by some dotted lines |14. The heated coolant is then forced along a conduit 44 into an inlet IIO of a second stage centrifugal pump 45 and accordingly discharged at a boosted pressure through a check valve 46 into a conduit 41. From the conduit 41 the liquid may flow into some conduits 1I and 48. 'Ihe flow through the conduit 1I is regulated by a throttllng flow control valve 12 and is constrained to pass through a vapor generator inlet 13. A region 14 forms an evaporation zone where the secondary -a supply conduit working uid is progressively converted into vapor `through indirect thermal contact with the exhaust gases in the casing 92.

Superheating occurs in a region 15. The superheated vapor is conducted along a conduit 15 through a check valve 19 and into some turbine feed conduits 80 and 63.

The control of generation of the secondary working fluid vapor is partly accomplished by a thermostat 16 thermally related to the feed liquid in the conduit 1| and to the superheated vapor discharged from the region 15.

Accordingly the thermostat 16 is responsive to a temperature intermediate to that of the liquid and to that of the vapor. It is also responsive to the relative rates of flow and to the relative thermal conductivities of the liquid and the vapor. The thermostat 16 actuates a lever 11 tending to open the valve 12l if the temperature of the thermostat 16 is relatively high, but tendingto close the valve 12 if the temperature oi the thermostat 16 is relatively low.

Basis for this action as an effective method of producing boiler stability is discussed further in my Patent No. 2,119,245, entitled Boiler regulation, issued May 3l, 1938.

The degree of opening of the valve |5,and the related rate of flow of the exhaustA gases through the boiler casing 92 is varied by a vaporimeter |95. non-expansible pencil 94 enclosed in a finned jacket 93 and abutting the closed end oi.' the jacket 93. The jacket is swept by the exhaust gases and is thermally responsive to the evaporation region 14. Any' change of thermal. conditionsfadjacent to the jacket will cause a relative motion between the jacket 93'and the free end of the pencil 94 due to differential thermal expansion; This motion is utilized to vary the opening of the valve I6 by positioning of a lever 95.

The vaporimeter |93 serves to reduce the flow of exhaust gases through the boiler casing 52 if the evaporation zone has tended to recede from the region 14 toward the inlet 13.. This is an.

emergency protection against overheating of the heat exchanging surfaces swept by hot exhaustv gases. Normally valve I6 would not be opened unless the flow of feed liquid should have become inadequate. A further description of the function of the vaporimeter for a limit control of gases 'of combustion is given in my Patent 2,064,494,

entitled Control system" issued December 15, 1936, wherein the vaporimetervis similarly employed to prevent overheating of the boiler tube during deficiency of feedwater supply.

An independently operable vapor generation system for the secondary working fluid is embodied in a boiler 300 having a casing 91 illustrated in section. 'I'he conduit 48 supplies liquid to a boiler inlet 55. The inlet 55 may also receive liquid from a system including a supply tank 0, 50, a centrifugal pump 49, a discharge conduit 5|, and a check valve 52.

Combustible fuel mixture is forced by a centrifugal pump |02 from a supply conduit |0| into a discharge conduit |05. The'flow of the combustible mixture is appropriately varied by some throttling flow control valves |04 and |06 prior to admission into the boiler casing 91. Means for automatically igniting the combustible mixture as it enters the casing 91 is provided by a magneto 2|0 grounded along a lead and delivering high tension current along a lead |09 to a sparking plug |05.

The vaporimeter comprises a thermally--` I'he control of vapor generation oi the secondary working fluid in the independently fired boiler is nearly identical with that of the waste heat utilization boiler 40. The feed liquid is brought into heat'absorbing relationship with a thermostat 55 and ls regulated by a throttling flow con-` into the inlet 55.

trol valve 55 before admission Vapor is generated in a region 56 and is superheated in a region 51. The superheated vapor is conducted in heat delivering relationship to the thermostat 55 and in pressure imparting relationship to an elastic pressure diaphragm 60. The vapor progresses along a conduit 6|, past a check valve 52 and through a manual throttle |52 into the turbine supply conduit 55.

The thermostat 55 varies the flow of liquid through the valve 53 by operation of a lever arm 55 for appropriately supplying feed liquid to the independently tired boiler 500. A relatively high temperature of the thermostat 55 tends to increase the supply of feed liquid, while a relatively low temperature of the thermostat 58 tends to decrease the supply of feed liquid` As in the instance of the waste heat boiler 400, and following the same function and construction, a vaporimeter |55 comprising a non-expansible pencil 55 and a finned jacket 95 thermally related to gases of combustion in the boiler casing 51 and to the evaporation region 55, serves as a limit control to regulate the opening of the fuel mixture valve |04 by movement of a lever arm |05 through a bell crank linkage |50.

If the evaporation zone has receded from the region 55 toward the inlet 55, the vaporimeter will tend to close the valvey |04 reducing the supply of combustible mixture passing through the conduit |05 and consequently reducing the intensity of combustion within the boiler casing 91. The waste gases of combustion from the boiler casing 51 are delivered along a flue ||2 and discharged into the atmosphere together with exhaust gases from the internal combustion engine.

The mechanism which causes the separately fired boiler to automatically supplement the waste heat utilization boiler in formation of vapor of the secondary working fluid in response to the demands of the consumer largely rests in the pressure diaphragm 60. Whenever the boiler 300 is to be made an automatically operable the power plant t'ne -throttle |52 is left wide open. It, due to inadequacy of supply of vapor from the generator 400, the pressure of the vapor in the turbine supply conduit 53 falls below a predetermined value, the pressure likewise drops in the conduit 5| and is sensed by the diaphragm 60. Then the ineflectively opposed elastic pressure of the diaphragm forces a lever arm |01 to open the valve |05 to initiate or to increase the supply of combustible mixture to the boiler casing 91 thereby augmenting generation of working vapor. When the pressure of the working vapor regains the predetermined normal value in the conduit 50 and in the conduit 6|, the pressure of vapor acting under the diaphragm 50 closes the valve IIS-reducing or terminating the supply of heat to the boiler 500. 'I'he re is normally controlled by the diaphragm 50 only and the diaphragm maintains substantially constant pressure in the conduit 53 by regulation of the intensity of the fire.

The boiler 500 automatically operates during at least three other power plant conditions as well: (1) when the binary power plant is operated at overload, (2) when the internal combustion enginel is not in operation, yet the accessopart of ries of the aircraft are on duty, and 3) when the secondary working fluid is relied upon to operate heavily loaded accessories during low power output from the cylinder 8. In case (1) the consumers comprise the accessories, the internal combustion engine coolant pumps and centrifugal blowers, and the screw propeller.

The drive system 588 for the auxiliaries oi' the primary working uid portion of the powerplant will now be described. Vapor of the secondary working fluid is admitted to a variable speed turbine 88 under control of a three way valve 8l shown in section. The valve 8| determines the relative amount of bypassing of steam around the turbine 86 and consequently varies the output and speed of the turbine 88. The steam also enters a variable speed turbine 8| either directly from the valve 8| or after passing through and delivering power to the turbine 88. A conduit 88 leading from the valve 8| bypasses the turbine 88 and communicates with a conduit 81 to the turbine 9|. Vapor exhausted from the turbine 88 flows along a conduit |81 and enters the conduit 81. The valve 8| is linked to a tie rod |58 by a lever arm 82 so that the handle |88 may be regulated in position simultaneously with that of the fuel supply control. The arm 82 is rotatively joined to a gate 88 which may seal oil' either the conduit 88 or the conduit 88 from the conduit 18,

or may proportion the flow between the two latter conduits.

If it is desired to increase the power output of the internal combustion engine, the Operator may shift the handle |88 to open the fuel valve |88 more fully, thus admitting a greater fuel charge into the cylinder 8 with each injection. The motion of the handle is also transmitted along the rod |88 biasing the valve 8| to feed a greater amount of working fluid to the turbine 86 and a lesser amount oi' directly supplied working iiuid to the turbine 8|.

'I'he amount of steam which passes through the turbine 88 regulates the speed and output of the coolant pumps 8| and 88 as well as that of the blowers 8 and 8. As the mean effective pressure of the cylinder 8 is raised by the increased supercharglng and fuelization, the degree of cooling of the cylinder 8 is automatically increased at the same time.v

The turbine 88 drives the second stage coolant pump 88 by a shaft 88, the first stage coolant pump 8| by a shaft lll, the second stage centrifugal blower 8 by 'a shaft |82, and the first stage centrifugal blower 8 by a shaft |88.

The turbine 8| has a nozzle box pressure control mechanism 98, illustrated in detail in Figure '7. for varying the degree of peripheral admission. Both the turbine 88 and the turbine 8| are limited in speed according to the torque which they deliver.

During standby of the aircraft the turbine 8i may be supplied steam from the independently fired generator 888 for cranking the internal combustion engine 288. Subsequently it may automatically continue to contribute power to the internal combustion engine and to the propeller with a much smaller ratio between the turbine speed andA propeller speed than that which existed during starting o! the engine 288.

The cycle of operation of the gear train 888 for accomplishing this is described as follows: The handle |88 is placed in a position to allow a small amount of fuel to be supplied to the cylinder 8 in accordance with the opening of the fuel valve |88. Through the linkage of the rod |88 and the lever arm 82 the three-way valve 8| is positioned as shown in Figure l to admit a proportionately large amount of working nuid directly to the turbine 8l. The torque of the turbine 8| is delivered from a pinion 28 to a gear 21. A pinion 28 integral with thezgear 21 drives a gear 28. The gear 28 engages an overrunning clutch 28 which in turn delivers torque to a pinion 28 through some ratchet jaws |28 and |28. The pinion 28 meshes with a gear 22 on the shaft 28| oi'- the internal combustion engine 288 and causes it to be rotated at cranking speed. Three gear reductions are thereby provided with an overall reduction of 500 to 1, for example.

After the engine has been started and brought up to desired speed by manual resetting of the handle 188, a centrifugal clutch 88 between the pinion 28 and the gear 22 becomes automatically engaged at a predetermined speed cf rotation of the clutch 88. The details of this clutch are shown in Figures 4 and 8. At all speeds above 28 overrides since thel Jaws |28 and |28 rotate relative to each other in a non-clutching direction. The pinion 28 revolves Sat a speed considerably in excess of that of the gear 28. 'I'he ratio of turbine speedto internal combustion engine speed may be, for example. 8 to l.

During both phases of the `described operation the turbine 8i is-able to remain within a relatively narrow lpeed range of high emciency due to the automaticity of the speed-reduction. changing system.- v r In an engine lubricant conditioning system 888 exhaust steam from the turbine 8| is restrained to flow along a conduit 82 sndJthence along a conduit 88 to an oil-heatexchan'ger 28. The exhaust vapor comes into heat transferring relationship with oil from the internaicombustion engine crankcase 2. 'Ihe outnow oil frorn'a crankcase sump |88 nows along a conduit i8 to the heat exchanger 28 and is returned tof the crankcase 2 through al conduit V2| by way of an engine pump |88 and a bearing lubrication line |88. The pump |88 is driven by -a bevel gear |18, which meshes with the bevel gear |8|. Steam which has been exhausted Vfrom the turbine and has passed through the heat exchanger 28 is subsequently led through a t duit 88 to a secondary condenser Il.

During the starting period of the internal combustion engine the exhaust vapor contributes heat to the engine lubricant reducing the time required for warming up. After continuous running a condition of equilibrium is reached with the engine lubricant contributing'heat to the exhaust working iluid instead. 'This heat is subsequently dissipated in the secondary condenser Thus, during all phases oi' operation of the internal combustion engine. approximately constant lubricant supply temperatures are maintained in the crankcase 2.

The drive of an aircraft accessories assembly 188, comprising an alternator 82 and a cabin su: percharger 88, is accomplished in the following manner: Steam from the turbine supply conduit 88 is delivered to a constant speed turbine 88 provided with a speed governing nozzle box control mechanism 88 for varying the degree of peripheral admission. The construction is shown in detail in .Figure 6 whereby the speed is maintained within a fraction of one percent.

i internal combustion engine 200 will operate the cabin supercharger 33 and the alternator 32. I'he latter drive is accomplished by an overrunning clutch 3| integral with the pinion 29, which is in engagement with the gear 22.

This emergency operation of the aircraft accessories is accomplished at a relatively low speed and in constant ratio to the speed of the engine 233. During the normal turbine driven operation the speed of the accessories is higher than that of the pinion 29.

The cabin supercharger 33 forces air along a duct 33, which is regulated by a throttling flow control valve 33. The valve 36 is controlled by motion of a lever arm |31 under the influence of a pressure diaphragm 31. The diaphragm 31 resembles the diaphragm 33 and is responsive to exhaust vapor pressure in the primary condenser 33.

During relatively high condenser pressures the diaphragm 31 is urged by the pressure of vapor to open the valve 33 and to increase the flow of air. This reducesI and corrects the condenser pressure. Accordingly substantially constant condenser pressure is maintained and the power consumed by the blower 33 partly corresponds to that required to hold the condenser pressure down to the normal value. An air outlet duct 39 from the condenser may supply heated compressed air to an aircraft cabin |000. A duct 210 from the cabin supercharger 33 supplies unheated compressed air to the aircraft cabin. Flow through this duct is regulated by a throttling flow control valve 21| under regulation of the prise the magneto 2|0, the centrifugal feed pump 43, and the combustible mixture pump |02.

The independently fired vapor generation system may be started when all other portions of the binary vapor power plant are inoperative, by the following method:l A switch ||9 is closed, and a battery 4 grounded by a lead ||3 delivers current along some leads |3 and ||1 to an electric motor ||3. 'I'he electric motor ||9 is grounded by a lead ||3. Power is imparted through an overunning clutch |19 to the pump |02, the pump 49, and the magneto 2|0. During this electric starting phase the clutch |20 overrides and the turbine 33 is not rotated, thereby minimizing starting current requirements.

Since aircraft which function throughout a considerable altitude range dcrrequire a variable pitch and constant speed propeller for the most efficient and practical operation, I have illustrated my invention with such a propeller. `The construction represents that which is in present day use in aircraft, for example as characterized in the Patent No. 1,893,612 to Caldwell dated January l0, 1933. In Figure 2 the main details include a propeller retained by a hub |33 and aligned by a spindle 3|. The hub is joined to the propeller shaft |33 mounted in the crankcase 2. Oil under pressure is supplied to a .duct |99 of the shaft from the bearing lubrication line |34.

A fly-weight |9| is enclosed within the hub |33 and mounted on a fulcrum |92 of the hub. 'I'he ily-weight and the fulcrum are eccentrically 1ocated withlrespect to the shaft in order that the centrifugal force of the y-weight may be resolved along the axis of a throttling pin |33 to vary the opening for the escape of oil from the duct |99 into a relief duct |34 of the shaft at a by-pass orifice 30. The ily-weight is primarily restrained in its tendency toward outward motion by a spring |33 which tends to pry the pin |93 away from the orifice |30.

'I'he described system tends to build up hydraulic pressure abruptly inthe duct |99 if the propeller shaft speed increases but slightly beyond the point at which the ily-weight overcomes the spring. Conversely a comparatively small decrease in propeller shaft speed relieves the pressureiin the duct |33 abruptly. The change of hydraulic pressure, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, is employed to twist the propeller about its own axis to govern propeller speed. An increase in propeller speed causes an upward surge of hydraulic pressurelto extend from the duct |99 along an axial bore |33 of a reciprocable piston |91 into a hydraulic cylinder |35 associated therewith. 'I'he piston |31 is displaced axially as this forceincreases thereby compressing a coil spring 33 and twisting the propeller into steeper pitch by means of a connecting rod |90 joined to an oH-center pin |32 at the base of the propeller. f

In Figure 3, R designates the direction of rotai tion of the propeller, V designates the direction of motionof the aircraft and A designates the angle of inclination of the propeller which is lncreased by pressure surge in the cylinder |93.

Any tendency of propeller speed to 'decrease below the normal setting is offset by reduction of hydraulic force in the cylinder 33, which allows the spring |39 and the restoring effort of the propeller acting about its own axis to move the piston |91 in opposition to the oil which becomes expelled from the cylinder |93 backward thru the bore |39 and out the orifice |30.(

The arrows in Figures 2 and 3 represent the ,f

, having a minor axis equal to the diameter of they space at a point 233.

The driven elements Joined to the gear 22 comprise a shaft 22| and a cylinder 223. 'I'he cylinder 223 lls the cylindrical space 221 and is free to rotate within it. However a pin 223 and a pin 229 mate with the groove 224, if the centrifugal force is suillcient to compress a coil spring 229 under a shoulder 23| as is shown to be the case in the illustration of the position of the pin 223. Thereupon oil is trapped in a region 226 yns between the pin 225, the cylinder 223, and the drum 222, and the shafts 220 and 22| become locked together. The speed of the shaft 22| required to produce this locking is less than the cruising speed of the engine 200, so thatv during normal aircraft operation the turbine 9| may contribute power to the engine.

For purpose of further illustration the pin 225 is shown in a position corresponding to a very low speed of the shaft 22|, in which case the pin 228 is retracted by the coil spring and the drum 222 is free to rotate at a higher speed than that of the cylinder 223. This corresponds to the condition of the engine starting period when the turbine 9| is cranking the engine 200 through the clutch 24 and the shaft 220 rotates at a much higher speed than that of the engine.

Figure 6 diagrammatically illustrates the details of the speed governing nozzle box control mechanism 65 of Figure 1, in section. A centrifugal weight 248 pinned to the turbine shaft by a. fulcrum 241 tends to move outward from the shaft with increase of turbine speed. This outward movement is resolved into rotation of a shoulder 246, sliding of a collar 245, deflection of a leaf spring 249, rotation of a -bell crank 244, pull of a rod 243, rotation of a lever 290, and progressive closure of some nozzles 242 and 24| by a. gate 240 of the valve- 64. The motions indicated by arrows in the illustration correspond to corrective measures for excessive turbine speed.

The degree of closure of the nozzles is dependent upon the turbine speed, and since the action of the ilyweight in defiecting the spring 249 may be made as abrupt as is desired, the variation of the turbine speed may be held vto close limits.

`When the turbine speed tends to fall below normal, the weight is held against the shaft by the force of the spring 249, and consequently the gate 240 is swung into a position which does not obstruct the free flow of steam through the nozzles 242 and 24|. This reestablishes the normal turbine speed.

Figure '7 diagrammatically reveals the details of the nozzle box pressure responsive control mechanism of Figure 1, in section.

This control maintains a constant pressure in the valve 255 regardless of the rate of steam supply. Due to the essentially constant speed of the turbine 9|, which is nprmally held in fixed speed relationship to the engine 200 by the centrifugal clutch 30, this constant pressure is desirable from the efficiency standpoint.

If a relatively large rate of steam supply is impressed on the turbine, the pressure will tend to rise in the valve 255, in the conduit 25|, and behind a flexible diaphragm 252. The resultant bulging of the diaphragm forces a lever 90 and a gate 250 in the direction indicated by arrows opening a turbine nozzle 254 more fully and thus tending to restore the normal pressure in the valve 255.

During relatively small rates of steam supply normal pressure will likewise be maintained in the valve 255, for, if the pressure tends to drop, the diaphragm will tend to force the gate 250 to shut off the nozzle 254. Normal velocity will still remain in a nozzle 253 so that the turbine eiliciency will be but slightly impaired by the smaller rate of steam supply.

I claim:

1. A binary cycle power plant comprising a power consumer, a first engine for contributing power to said consumer, a first working fluid at a relatively high temperature level for operating said first engine, a combustion chamber for producing heat to generate said rst fluid, a blower for forcing air into said chamber, a conduit for admitting fuel into said chamber, a second engine for contributing power to said first engine, a second working fluid at a relatively low temperature level for operating said second engine, a heat exchanger for generating said second fluid by waste heat from said first fluid, an impeller for forcing feed liquid of said second fluid into said exchanger, a device sensitive to thermal conditions in said exchanger for regulating said impeller, a boiler for generating said second fluid by direct firing, a fuel burner for said boiler, a pump for forcing feed liquid of said second fluid into said boiler, an instrument sensitive to temperature conditions of said second fluid in said boiler, for regulating said pump, a manifold for f conducting said second fluid from said exchanger and from said boiler to said second engine, a regulator for the heat output of said burner, and apparatus sensitive to pressure of said second fluid in said manifold for controlling said regulator.

2. Apower plant as defined in claim l and further characterized by a flow course for said second fluid in said exchanger, a flow passage for said second fluid in said boiler, and said course and said passage being connected in parallel to said manifold.

3. A power plant system for an aircraft comprising a propeller for propulsion, an aircraft accessory power consumer, a first engine for driving said propeller, al first working fluid at a relatively high temperature level for operating said first engine, a combustion chamber for producing heat to form said first fluid, a second engine for driving said consumer, a second working fluid at a relatively low temperature level for operating said second engine, a. heat exchanger for generating said second fluid by waste heat extracted from said first fluid, a boiler for producing said second working fluid by direct firing, a fuel burner for said boiler, a manifold for conducting said second fluid from said exchanger and from said boil'er to said second engine, a heatv output regulator for said burner, and an apparatus responsive to the pressure of said second fluid in said manifold for controlling said regulator.

4. A power plant system for an aircraft comprising a propeller for propulsion, an aircraft accessory p`ower consumer, a first engine for .driving said propeller, a first working fluid at a relativelyhigh temperature level for operating said first engine, a combustion chamber for producing heat to form said first fluid, a second engine for driving said consumer, a second working fluid at a relatively low temperature level for operating said second engine, a heat exchanger for generating said second fluid by waste heat extracted from said first fluid, a passenger cabin of the aircraft, a boiler for forming said second fluid by direct firing, a fuel burner for said boiler, a manifold for transferring said second fluid from said exchanger and from said boiler to said second engine, a heat output regulator for said burner, an apparatus responsive to the pressure of said second fluid in said manifold for controlling said regulator, a condenser for said second fluid being discharged from said second engine, and means for transmitting the heat dissipated by said condenser to said cabin.

5. A power plant system for a pressure cabin aircraft comprising a propeller for propulsion, a pressure cabin, a pressure cabin supercharger, a

first engine for driving saidfpropeller, a first Working fluid at a relatively high temperature level for operating said first engine, a generating apparatus for forming said first working fluid, a second engine for driving said supercharger, a second working iiuid at a relatively low temperature level for operating said second engine, a heat exchanger for generating said second fluid by waste heat extracted from said first fluid, a boiler for forming said second fluid by direct firing, a fuel burner for said boiler, a manifold for transferring said second fluid from said exchanger and from said boiler to said secondengine, a regulator for the heat output of said burner, a device responsive to the pressure of said second fluid in said manifold for controlling said regulator, an air conduit from said supercharger to said cabin, a condenser for cooling saidrsecond fluid being discharged from said second engine,y and said condenser being interposed in said conduit in heat contributing relationship to the air being supplied to said cabin.

6. A binary cycle power plant for a craft comprising a propeller for propulsion, a first engine for driving said propeller, av first working fluid at a relatively high temperature level Afor operating said first engine, a combustion chamber for producing heat to generate said first fiuid, a duct for supplying fuel to said chamber, a pump for supplying Iair to said chamber, an overrunning clutch for contributing power to said first engine, a centrifugal clutch for contributing power to said first engine, a device in said centrifugal clutch responsive to the speed of said `first engine for engaging said centrifugal clutch at a predetermined and relatively high speed, a second engine connected to said centrifugal clutch and. to said overrunning clutch in driving relationship thereto, a second working fluid at a relatively low tem- 40 perature level, a heat exchanger for generating said second fluid by Waste heat extracted from @said first fluid, a boiler for producing said second working fluid by direct firing, a burner system for heating said boiler, a manifold for conducting said second fluid from said exchanger and from said boiler to said second engine, and an apparatus sensitive to the pressure of said second fluid to said manifold for controlling said burner system. f

7. In a binary cycle power plant for a high altitude aircraft, a propeller for propulsion, a

first engine for driving said propeller, a first working fluid at a-'relatively high temperature level for driving said first engine, a combustion chamber for producing heat to generate said first fluid, a conduit for admitting fuel into said chamber, a blower for forcing air into said chamber, a sec"- ond engine for driving said blower, a second working fluid at a relatively low temperature level for operating said second engine, a'heat exchanger for generating said second fluid by waste heat extracted from said first fiuid, a flow course for said second fluid in said exchanger, a duct for connecting said course to said second engine, a flow control device in said duct, a fuel iiow control apparatus associated with said fuel conduit and means for operatively joining said device to said apparatus.

8. A binary cycle power plant for a high altitude aircraft comprising a propeller for propulsion, a first engine for driving said propeller, a first working fluid at a relatively high temperature level for operating said first engine, a combustion chamber for producing heat to generate said first fluid, a blower for forcing air into said chamber, a conduit for admitting fuel into said chamber, a second engine for driving said blower, a third engine for contributing power to said first engine, a second working fluid for operating said second and said third engines, a heat exchanger for generating said second fluid by waste heat extracted from said first fluid, a flow course for said second iiuid in said exchanger, a manifold for connecting said course to -said second and third engines, and a distributor in said manifold for varying the relative amount of said second fluid fed to said sec'ond engine as compared to that fed to said third engine.

9. A propulsion system comprising a first power plant operated by a first working fluid at a higher temperature level, a second power plant operated by a second working fluid at a lower temperature level, means for bringing said first working fluid into heat transferring relationship with said sec-- ond working fluid, a first valving device for regulating fuel admission to said first power plant, a second valving device for controlling flow of said second working fluid in saidsecond power plant, and means for operatively joining said first valving device to said second valving device.

NATHQN c. PRICE. 

